Advertisinghttp://www.maclife.com/taxonomy/term/4246/all
enApple Releases Video Showcasing the Making of Its Latest Holiday Adhttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/apple_releases_video_showcasing_making_its_latest_holiday_ad
<!--paging_filter--><p>The latest in Apple's phenomenal run of holiday ads came out <a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/news/morning_report_apple_happy_holidays_iphone_6_demand_new_ipod_testimony" target="_blank">earlier in the week</a>, and it focuses on a granddaughter who uses Apple's technology to create a contemporary duet with an old recording of her grandmother's. Today Apple released a followup video discussing how the ad was made, showing that its latest short is not just about bridging the gaps between two generation of people, but also between two generations of technology.</p><p>Specifically, the ad features a young woman (played by musician Dana Williams) who finds her grandmother's recording of "Love Is Here to Stay" (sung by Rhiannon Giddens) that was made with a 1940s "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Production_of_gramophone_records" target="_blank">Voice-O-Graph</a>" machine. The ad (or "film," as Apple calls it on its website) implies that her grandmother made it for her husband, who was apparently stationed overseas at the time.</p><p><iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/77hi9SuKfiI" width="620" height="349" frameborder="0"></iframe></p><p>The story might be sentimental fluff, but there's a shred of truth to what we're seeing on screen, particularly since Apple used an actual working Voice-O-Graph in the possession of Third Man Records. Giddens sung the part for the original recording, and then Williams recorded her own vocals and mixed the two together in GarageBand. Williams claims in the short documentary that she uses Apple's GarageBand for most of her her music, and that she likes it because "anyone who's not tech savvy like myself can find their way around it."</p><p>The ad itself is somewhat understated, especially in comparison to last year's "Misunderstood," which won Apple its first <a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/news/morning_report_iphone_6_battery_leaks_apple_commercial_emmy_xiaomi_copycat" target="_blank">Emmy Award for Outstanding Commercial</a> since its iconic "Here's to the Crazy Ones" short, created in 1998 at the height of the "Think Different" campaign. While "Misunderstood" focuses on an introverted teen's use of his iPhone's video capabilities, "The Song" highlights GarageBand and the iPad mini.</p><p><em>Follow this article's writer, <a href="https://twitter.com/LeifJohnson" target="_blank">Leif Johnson</a>, on Twitter.</em></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/apple_releases_video_showcasing_making_its_latest_holiday_ad#commentsNewsadAdvertisingDana WilliamsGaragebandholiday adiPadMisunderstoodThe SongWed, 17 Dec 2014 23:57:24 +0000Leif Johnson21096 at http://www.maclife.comOvernight Recap: Picturelife Goes Unlimited, Apple Updates, JET Now All-Digitalhttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/overnight_recap_picturelife_goes_unlimited_apple_updates_jet_now_alldigital
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/picturelife_3.0_app_620px.png" alt="Picturelife 3.0" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>The rumor mill just can't seem to make up its mind when it comes to the fabled iPhone 6. After confidently showing mockups over the last few months, <a href="http://www.gforgames.com/gadgets/iphone-6-mockup-rough-idea-final-product-44227/" target="_blank">a new report Monday from GforGames</a> now claims those leaked images may be nothing more than a "rough idea" of what Cupertino has in store for us later this year. Confused? We say it's better to temper expectations and be patient anyway...</p><h3>Picturelife Debuts New iOS App, Unlimited Family Share Plan</h3><p>The imminent launch of Apple's iCloud Drive seems to be making many cloud services rethink their approach, typically in favor of the consumer. <a href="http://blog.picturelife.com/post/90451104600/an-all-new-picturelife-today-weve-launched-a" target="_blank">Picturelife announced Tuesday</a> a complete revamp of the iOS app that now ups storage for free users to 8GB and introduces new Places, Faces and Favorites views along with quick actions, which are intended to make editing or sharing as easy as two taps. The app also now makes it easier to get started without requiring an account, and <a href="http://blog.picturelife.com/post/90451057435/new-plans-new-pricing-one-of-the-most" target="_blank">a new pricing structure makes it cheaper as well</a>, including a new 100GB Family Plan for $10 per month and unlimited storage for up to three immediate family members for only $15 per month — and those prices include both photos as well as videos.</p><h3>Apple Releases iOS 7.1.2, OS X Mavericks 10.9.4 Updates</h3><p>MacRumors reported Monday that Apple closed out the month of June with fresh updates to both <a href="http://www.macrumors.com/2014/06/30/apple-release-ios-7-1-2/" target="_blank">iOS 7.1.2</a> as well as <a href="http://www.macrumors.com/2014/06/30/apple-releases-10-9-4/" target="_blank">OS X Mavericks 10.9.4</a>. The relatively minor updates focus on "bug fixes and security improvements" for the former, including a fix for an email attachment encryption issue and data transfer when using third-party accessories. On the OS X front, the 10.9.4 update "fixes an issue that prevented some Macs from automatically connecting to known Wi-Fi networks" while also improving the reliability of wake from sleep and includes Safari 7.0.5 with the requisite round of security patches. iOS 7.1.2 can be downloaded via iTunes or as an over-the-air update from your device, while OS X Mavericks 10.9.4 can be found from the Updates tab of the Mac App Store.</p><h3>JET Magazine Transitions from Print to Digital with iPad App</h3><p><a href="http://www.jetmag.com/news/jet-magazine-introduce-digital-app/" target="_blank">First announced back in early May</a>, Johnson Publishing Company announced Monday that the iconic JET Magazine has concluded its transition to digital only, having <a href="http://www.johnsonpublishing.com/index.php/press-release/jet-magazine-releases-final-print-issue/" target="_blank">published its final print edition last month</a>. Founded in 1951, the publisher claims the decision was a way to "adapt to the changing needs of its readers as their desire to get information quickly and easily increases." All these years later, the publication touts a base of 700,000 readers and remains the third largest magazine in the African-American market.</p><h3>New iPhone Ad Puts Focus on "Parenthood"</h3><p>If you're a parent who owns an Android or Windows Phone handset, Apple wants you to know that was apparently a bad decision, courtesy of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmTpgSMJ96c" target="_blank">a new television commercial landing on the airwaves this week</a>. Entitled "Parenthood," the spot features the song "Life of Dreams" by Julie Doiron and shows how the iPhone 5s can enhance the lives of parents as they monitor their baby from the next room, teach kids how to brush their teeth, find a lost pet and even discover how to take care of plants — all without a rival device in sight.<br /><br /><iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/fmTpgSMJ96c" width="620" height="349" frameborder="0"></iframe></p><h3>Macphun Snap Pack Bundles Mac Photo Apps Until July 7</h3><p>Have an aversion to Adobe's new subscription-based Creative Cloud photography apps? For the cost of only two and a half months of that plan, <a href="http://macphun.com/snappack" target="_blank">Macphun is now offering a package of its four Mac photo applications</a>, along with a a high speed memory card and a $20 credit for CanvasPop, enough to get one of your best images printed on a wall-ready canvas. The package includes Snapheal, FX Photo Studio, Focus and Color Strokes for only $24.99 (a $70 value), but you'll have to act fast: The deal will vanish as quickly as it appeared on July 7. (If the website shows $39.99, click though to purchase and the correct price will appear.)<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="https://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/overnight_recap_picturelife_goes_unlimited_apple_updates_jet_now_alldigital#commentsNewsAdvertisingdigital publishingiOS 7.1.2iPhone 5SMacPhunOS X Mavericksovernight recapPicturelifeSoftware UpdatesiPadiPhoneiPodMacTue, 01 Jul 2014 14:56:46 +0000J.R. Bookwalter20245 at http://www.maclife.comApple's Plan to Reclaim Its Marketing Mojohttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/apples-plan-to-reclaim-its-marketing-mojo
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/apple_think_different_620px.png" alt="Apple Think Different" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>Everyone remembers that classic series of "Get a Mac" ads pitting a cool Mac against an uptight PC, but when is the last time Apple had a truly memorable marketing campaign? With any luck, there could be another one on the horizon.<br /><br /><a href="http://adage.com/article/agency-news/apple-marketing-a-game/293605/" target="_blank">Advertising Age filed an extensive report Monday</a> focusing on how Apple plans to reclaim some of its former marketing glory, starting with bringing some of the creative work in-house.<br /><br />According to industry insiders, Apple is quietly building up an internal marketing agency said to eventually number 1,000 people, and using those minds as leverage to produce better results from longtime ad agency TBWA/Media Arts Lab while keeping critics at bay who claim the Cupertino company has lost its edge.<br /><br />The most notable recent misstep with Apple's marketing came during the 2012 Olympics in a spot focusing on the company's retail-based Genius Bar employees that vanished nearly as quickly as it debuted.<br /><br />It's a definite black eye for a company best known for its iconic "Think Different" campaign, especially in the wake of recent attack ads from rival Samsung touting how "the next big thing is already here."<br /><br />In April, the Apple v. Samsung patent dispute shined a spotlight on Apple's marketing woes, including an email from VP Phil Schiller to CEO Tim Cook calling for "a search for a new agency... we are not getting what we need from them and haven't been in a while."<br /><br />Cook apparently took the advice to heart, as the report noted Apple has gone to great lengths to build up an arsenal of marketing talent, including some poached right from its longtime partners at TBWA/MAL — a move that would have been considered sacrilege during the Steve Jobs era.<br /><br />For now at least, TBWA/MAL remains in the picture, with sources claiming the agency will continue to provide "service-side duties" for Apple, even as Cupertino continues to ramp up marketing efforts to catch up to the iPhone maker's runaway success over the last few years.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p><em>(Image courtesy of ViralWriter.com)</em></p><p><em><br /></em></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/apples-plan-to-reclaim-its-marketing-mojo#commentsNewsAdvertisingApple Inc.apple marketingCreativeGenius Barget a macPhil SchillerSamsungThink DifferentTim CookiPadiPhoneiPodMacTue, 10 Jun 2014 21:44:49 +0000J.R. Bookwalter20120 at http://www.maclife.comApple Takes Thinly Veiled Jab at Samsung in New Environmentally Focused Adshttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/apple_takes_thinly_veiled_jab_samsung_new_environmentally_focused_ads
<!--paging_filter--><p>It's been a while since we've seen Apple employ the same competitive snark that we see in advertising from its rivals, but the Cupertino company today played a rare hand in the form of a full-page ad lightly poking fun at its ongoing legal battle with Samsung. The ads chiefly appear overseas (for now), and read "There are some things we want every company to copy."</p><p><em><a href="http://www.cnet.com/news/apple-has-another-dig-at-samsung-in-green-ad/" target="_blank"> Cnet </a></em>lists the ads as appearing in British papers such as the <em>Guardian </em>and the <em>Metro</em>, but since then others have been spotted in Australia, Germany and numerous other countries. The ads are meant to highlight Apple's commitment to its green energy programs and <a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/news/video_highlights_environmental_friendliness_apples_spaceship_campus" target="_blank">new sustainable architecture</a>, but with a not-so-subtle nod toward its biggest smartphone competitor. The full text reads as follows:</p><p><img src="/files/u334114/2014/04/better.jpg" width="620" height="460" /></p><p><strong>Source: <a href="http://www.cnet.com/news/apple-has-another-dig-at-samsung-in-green-ad/" target="_blank">Cnet</a></strong></p><p>"There’s one area where we actually encourage others to imitate us. Because when everyone makes the environment a priority, we all benefits. We’d be more than happy to see every data centre fuelled by 100% renewable energy sources. And we eagerly await the day when every product is made without the harmful toxins we have removed from ours.</p><p>Of course we know we can continue to do better. We’ve set some pretty ambitious goals for reducing our impact on climate change, making our products with greener materials and conserving our planet’s limited resources. So the next time we come across a great idea that can help leave the world better than we found it, we look forward to sharing."</p><p>The ads were designed to complement Apple's new "Better" campaign that was launched yesterday in preparation for today's celebration of Earth Day.</p><p><em>Follow this article's writer,<a href="https://twitter.com/LeifJohnson" target="_blank">&nbsp;Leif Johnson</a>, on Twitter.</em></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/apple_takes_thinly_veiled_jab_samsung_new_environmentally_focused_ads#commentsNewsadsAdvertisingappleEarth Daygreen energySamsungWed, 23 Apr 2014 00:17:12 +0000Leif Johnson19803 at http://www.maclife.comApple Insists on Keeping User Data Private, and It's Hurting iAd Saleshttp://www.maclife.com/article/gallery/apple_insists_keeping_user_data_private_and_its_hurting_iad_sales
<!--paging_filter--><p>Maintaining the privacy of users has always been a major concern at Apple, to the point that it's apparently affecting the success of the Cupertino giant's iAd business, reports <a href="http://adage.com/article/digital/amazon-apple-catch-a-break-madison-ave/291724/" target="_blank">AdAge</a>. Ad buyers say Apple is "downright stingy" with its customer information, and that it has no real drive to "foster relationships."</p><p>The data the buyers want focuses on our geographical locations, purchase history, and media interests--in short, the kind of information that's raised privacy concerns directed at Google and Facebook--but Apple will have none of it. In the words of one critic, it's like requiring "the best-looking girl at the party...to wear a bag over her head."</p><p>The iAd service <a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/news/apple_launches_iad_producer_tool_advertisers" target="_blank">first appeared back in 2010</a> as a method of letting developers earn additional money, but it's been little more than an "afterthought" until iTunes radio came along. Even now, with some tweaks, it doesn't attract much attention.</p><p><img src="/files/u334114/2014/02/jobsiad.jpg" width="620" height="436" /></p><p>In the words of AdAge, "Perhaps the biggest issue hindering their ad growth is that advertising is an afterthought, a blip on the balance sheet. It's still viewed by some as immaterial and potentially detrimental to the cash cows -- an ad is an impediment if it distracts a consumer from the "buy" button or mucks up a beautiful mobile app."</p><p>That's not to say Apple's not interested in ads; after all, iTunes Radio <a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/news/itunes_radio_launch_exclusive_ads_multiple_prominent_corporations" target="_blank">debuted with ads</a> from such influential (and widely appealing) companies as McDonald's and Macy's. Even so, it's a hobby at best. Apple's $258 million in advertising revenue from 2013 might sound impressive at first, but it's nothing compared to the $3.98 billion earned by Google. Still, iTunes Radio's growing popularity could mean that number will go up in spite of the protests of Apple's critics.</p><p>Apple seems to figure that it's doing fine on its own merits, and until it isn't, it look as as though our data's safe.</p><p><em>Follow this article's writer,<a href="https://twitter.com/LeifJohnson" target="_blank">&nbsp;Leif Johnson</a>, on Twitter.</em></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/gallery/apple_insists_keeping_user_data_private_and_its_hurting_iad_sales#commentsGalleryNewsAdvertisingappleGoogleiAdiOS 7iPadiphoneiTunes RadioTue, 18 Feb 2014 22:29:34 +0000Leif Johnson19353 at http://www.maclife.comApple Steps Up 30 Years of Mac Campaign with New 1.24.14 Commercialhttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/apple_steps_30_years_mac_campaign_new_12414_commercial
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/apple_1.24.14_video_620px.png" alt="Apple 1.24.14 commercial" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>The 30th anniversary of the Macintosh may have been 10 days ago, but Apple is staying in a festive mood by debuting a new celebration video shot using the iPhone and edited on the Mac.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.apple.com/30-years/1-24-14-film/" target="_blank">Apple announced Monday</a> a new video advertisement called "1.24.14" that uses iPhone footage shot by 15 camera crews from all around the world to show how the Macintosh's promise of putting powerful technology in the hands of users has become a reality 30 years later.<br /><br />The footage was shot on January 24, 2014 as the Macintosh was popping the champagne cork on three decades, with footage shot in 15 locations spread across five continents by none other than Jake Scott -- the son of Ridley Scott, who directed Apple's iconic "1984" Super Bowl commercial and also collaborated on the latest project.<br /><br />"From sunrise in Melbourne to nightfall in Los Angeles, they documented people doing amazing things with Apple products," the website explains. "They shot over 70 hours of footage -- all with the iPhone 5s. Then it was edited and scored with an original soundtrack. Thanks to the power of the Mac and the innovations it has inspired, an effort that normally takes months was accomplished in a matter of days."<br /><br />Hollywood editor Angus Wall and a team of 21 assistants then assembled more than 70 hours of video shot across 100 different iPhones into the video embedded below using iMac and Mac Pro computers, which is now available to view on Apple's website as well as YouTube.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;<iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/zJahlKPCL9g" width="620" height="349" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/apple_steps_30_years_mac_campaign_new_12414_commercial#commentsNews1.24.1430 Years of Mac30th anniversaryAdvertisingApple CommercialsApple Inc.celebrationiPhone 5SRidley ScottiPadiPhoneMacMon, 03 Feb 2014 14:44:23 +0000J.R. Bookwalter19222 at http://www.maclife.comApple Channels "Dead Poets Society" for Latest iPad Commercialhttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/apple_channels_dead_poets_society_latest_ipad_commercial
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/what_will_your_verse_be_website_620px.png" alt="Your Verse website" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>What will your verse be? That's the question posed by Apple's latest 90-second television commercial for the iPad Air, which features a classic Robin Williams speech from the film <em>Dead Poets Society</em>.<br /><a href="http://www.macrumors.com/2014/01/12/your-verse-ipad-ad/" target="_blank"><br />MacRumors reported Sunday</a> that a new Apple television commercial started airing over the weekend during the NFL playoffs, and like the previous "Life on iPad" spot, this one comes with a companion website.<br /><br />The 90-second commercial includes a speech from actor Robin Williams taken from the 1989 feature film <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0097165/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank"><em>Dead Poets Society</em></a>, applying his character's thoughts on why humans read and write poetry to how the iPad is being used in music, film, mountain climbing, scuba diving and more.<br /><br />"We don’t read and write poetry because it’s cute," the speech begins. "We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion. And medicine, law, business, engineering — these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love — these are what we stay alive for."&nbsp;<br /><br />After a lengthy quote from Whitman, Williams asks, "What will your verse be?" -- and in the case of the iPad users featured in the commercial, <a href="http://www.apple.com/your-verse/" target="_blank">Apple has posted a website to share those stories</a>.<br /><br />Check out the "Your Verse" spot embedded below!<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em><br /></p><p><iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/jiyIcz7wUH0" width="620" height="349" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/apple_channels_dead_poets_society_latest_ipad_commercial#commentsNewsAdvertisingApple CommercialsApple Inc.Dead Poets SocietyiPad AirpoetryRobin WilliamstelevisionYour VerseiPadMon, 13 Jan 2014 14:30:28 +0000J.R. Bookwalter19046 at http://www.maclife.comApple Has a Tiny Advertising Budget Compared to Direct Rivals, Data Showshttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/apple_has_tiny_advertising_budget_compared_direct_rivals_data_shows
<!--paging_filter--><p>Ask anyone who's not a current Apple user where they've formed most of their impressions about the Cupertino company, and there's a good chance they'll mentions the ads. From the famed <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtvjbmoDx-I" target="_blank">1984 Macintosh reveal</a> to today's <a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/news/new_ipad_commercial_features_voice_breaking_bad_actor_bryan_cranston" target="_blank">artsy iPad Air shorts</a> (see below), Apple's ads are as memorable as its products. But here's a shocker--as reported by <a href="http://www.cultofmac.com/252918/apples-advertising-budget-is-tiny-compared-to-microsoft-samsungs/" target="_blank">Cult of Mac</a>, compared to other giants like Samsung and Microsoft, Apple spends comparatively little on advertising.</p><p><img src="/files/u334114/2013/11/advertising.jpg" width="620" height="356" /></p><p><strong>Source: <a href="https://twitter.com/asymco/status/396253597551570944" target="_blank">Asymco</a></strong></p><p>Back on November 1, Horace Dediu of Asymco revealed <a href="https://twitter.com/asymco/status/396253597551570944" target="_blank">posted a chart on Twitter</a> that shows the advertising budgets for Apple, HP, Dell, Microsoft, Coca Cola, and Samsung from 2009 to 2013. As you can see in the chart above, Apple's budget is far less than its direct competitors Samsung and Microsoft and more in line with companies we rarely see notable ads from anymore such as Dell and HP.</p><p><iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/o9gLqh8tmPA" width="620" height="465" frameborder="0"></iframe></p><p>Cult of Mac writer John Brownlee sees the data as a reflection of Apple's overall quality. In his words, "Quality versus quantity is pretty much Apple’s modus operandi, and it’s also true that Apple has so many fewer products to advertise than the rest of these companies." He also expresses a hope that the data will "pop the myth" that Apple's success springs from a huge advertising budget, but based on the followup tweets, that's not quite true.</p><p>At least one can hope, right?</p><p><em>Follow this article's writer,<a href="https://twitter.com/LeifJohnson" target="_blank">&nbsp;Leif Johnson</a>, on Twitter.</em></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/apple_has_tiny_advertising_budget_compared_direct_rivals_data_shows#commentsNewsAdvertisingapplecommercialsMicrosoftSamsungWed, 06 Nov 2013 01:31:23 +0000Leif Johnson18548 at http://www.maclife.comApple Posts Mac Pro Ad Designed for Cinema on YouTubehttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/apple_posts_mac_pro_ad_designed_cinema_youtube
<!--paging_filter--><p>Excited about the new Mac Pro? Apple certainly hopes so, and to stoke the flames of hype they've started showing a snazzy new advertisement trailer in cinemas. (Jokes are already surfacing that people found it more entertaining than <a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/news/mixed_reviews_ashton_kutchers_jobs_biopic_roll" target="_blank">Ashton Kutcher's Steve Jobs biopic</a>.) It's good stuff, and now that Apple's posted it to its&nbsp;<a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/Apple?feature=watch" target="_blank">YouTube account</a>, you can watch it for yourself.</p><p><iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/SQl2FjaKCAQ" width="620" height="465" frameborder="0"></iframe></p><p>As first mentioned in Monday's <a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/news/wwdc_2013_apple_announces_powerful_fast_sleek_new_mac_pro" target="_blank">weekend recap</a>, the trailer doesn't really deliver any new information aside from the news that we'll see the device sometime this fall. The good news is that there's still plenty to look forward to. As we noted in <a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/news/wwdc_2013_apple_announces_powerful_fast_sleek_new_mac_pro" target="_blank">our WWDC coverage</a>, the rig will come with a 12-core Xeon processor and it'll be twice as fast as the MacPro from the previous generation, with its memory sitting at 1866MHz DD3 with a 60GBps bandwidth.</p><p>Unfortunately, there's still no word on how much the device will cost. In the meantime, want to get a good look at what the device will look like aside from its sleek (if somewhat <a href="http://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/trash-can-that-looks-like-new-mac-pro-causes-a-stir-in-japan/" target="_blank">trashcan-like</a>) shell? Check out <a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/news/wwdc_2013_photos_new_mac_pro" target="_blank">our photos of the unit</a> from WWDC.</p><p><em> Follow this article's writer, <a href="https://twitter.com/LeifJohnson" target="_blank">Leif Johnson</a>, on Twitter.</em></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/apple_posts_mac_pro_ad_designed_cinema_youtube#commentsNewsAdvertisingcinematic trailercomputerdesktophardwareMac ProFri, 23 Aug 2013 23:41:32 +0000Leif Johnson17864 at http://www.maclife.comGoogle's Official AdSense App Comes to App Store for Freehttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/googles_official_adsense_app_comes_app_store_free
<!--paging_filter--><p>Happily, Google's not dragging its feet when it comes to designing certain apps for iOS as well as its own Android system, as seen by today's release of the AdSense app for iOS. The release comes just days after the release of the Google Play version listed last Wednesday.</p><p>According to Google's description, "The AdSense app provides an easy way to access key data from your AdSense account. Access reporting features anywhere, directly from your iPhone. The first version of the app gives you access to: the key earnings information, top custom and URL channels, ad units and sites reports, payment alerts."</p><p><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/google-adsense/id680739529?mt=8" target="_blank"><img src="/files/u334114/2013/08/adsense.jpg" width="620" height="544" /></a></p><p>Several third-party apps already exist on the App Store for the same purpose, but this marks Google's first attempt to present its own information to the masses, and via a clean and intuitive interface that presents all of the most relevant information from your Google ads at a glance. Unfortunately, so far the app doesn't allow you to change any of your information or account settings; it just lets you view it.</p><p>It's a great start, and we're hoping that future updates will bring further customization. As of the current release, <a href="http://9to5mac.com/2013/08/05/google-releases-official-adsense-iphone-app/" target="_blank">as 9to5Mac reports</a>, you can't even disable payment notifications. You can pick up the app for free <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/google-adsense/id680739529?mt=8" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p><em> Follow this article's writer, <a href="https://twitter.com/LeifJohnson" target="_blank">Leif Johnson</a>, on Twitter.</em></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/googles_official_adsense_app_comes_app_store_free#commentsNewsAdSenseAdvertisingAppApp StoreFreeGoogleMon, 05 Aug 2013 19:22:21 +0000Leif Johnson17701 at http://www.maclife.comAds Coming to Instagram, Zuckerberg Says; No Timeline Givenhttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/ads_coming_instagram_zuckerberg_says_no_timeline_given
<!--paging_filter--><p>Today during Facebook's earnings call (via <a href="http://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2013/07/24/live-facebook-earnings-investor-call/" target="_blank">The Wall Street Journal</a>),&nbsp;Mark Zuckerberg confirmed the fears expressed by many users when the social-networking behemoth acquired Instagram--ads will eventually be coming to the popular photo sharing service. It was bound to happen at some point (even if Zuckerberg and his <a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/news/facebook%E2%80%99s_mark_zuckerberg_announces_instagram_acquisition" target="_blank">billion-dollar check</a> hadn't showed up), as Instagram hasn't generated any revenue for years.</p><p>Importantly, we don't know when or in what form we'll see the new ads. Even so, according to Zuckerberg, Instagram co-founder Kevin Systrom has always emphasized that Instagram is being groomed to be a business. “We expect over time to generate a lot of profit from it. We think the right focus for now is to continue increasing the footprint of Instagram and, when the right time comes, we’ll think about advertising," Zuckerberg said, as quoted by <a href="http://thenextweb.com/facebook/2013/07/24/zuckerberg-facebook-will-generate-a-lot-of-profit-from-instagram-ads-will-come-when-the-time-is-right/?fromcat=all" target="_blank">TheNextWeb</a>.</p> <p><iframe src="//instagram.com/p/cJ_uaOoUUM/embed/" width="612" height="710" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></p><p>Considering the speed with which Facebook has rolled out updates for the popular photo app since its acquisition--most notably in the <a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/news/instagram_short_videos_vs_vine_we_uncover_major_differences" target="_blank">introduction of 15-second videos</a> styled after Vine's similar feature--it's possible that they could come sooner than later. We've already seen some evidence of how Facebook could be used as an advertising platform, most notably in the form of Instagram video shorts promoting Ashton Kutcher's upcoming Steve Jobs biopic, as seen in the example release today above.</p><p>Even without ads, Facebook seems to be handling Instagram with grace. Despite the controversial acquisition, Instagram has brought in a staggering 130 million active monthly users, up from 80 million last year.</p><p><em> Follow this article's writer, <a href="https://twitter.com/LeifJohnson" target="_blank">Leif Johnson</a>, on Twitter.</em></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/ads_coming_instagram_zuckerberg_says_no_timeline_given#commentsNewsAdvertisingFacebookinstagramphoto sharingrevenueSocial MediaZuckerbergThu, 25 Jul 2013 23:45:22 +0000Leif Johnson17632 at http://www.maclife.comOvernight Recap: Verizon LTE Hits 500, GV Mobile + 3, Latest Apple TV Spots Flophttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/overnight_recap_verizon_lte_hits_500_gv_mobile_3_latest_apple_tv_spots_flop
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/verizon_lte_500_markets_620px.png" alt="Verizon 500 LTE markets" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>What a difference two and a half years make! Back in December 2010, Verizon Wireless launched its first 4G LTE markets well ahead of competitors, and this week the nation's largest wireless carrier is celebrating 500 markets. But that's not all: We've also rounded up some new app news and even the return of disc burning technology LightScribe to OS X Mountain Lion. Read on to find out more!</p><h3>Verizon 4G LTE Hits 500 Markets, No Plans to Slow Down</h3><p>Verizon Wireless had good reason to celebrate Thursday <a href="http://news.verizonwireless.com/news/2013/06/verizon-wireless-500-4G-LTE-markets.html" target="_blank">with the announcement of its 500th 4G LTE market</a>. Now available in 49 states and to more than 298 million people, Big Red's fastest wireless data service will be available across the entire U.S. when it touches down in Alaska next month. LTE service now covers 99 percent of Verizon's existing 3G coverage, a pretty impressive feat considering the company launched its speedy network in December 2010.</p><h3>GV Mobile + 3 Now Available with VoIP Calling</h3><p><a href="http://www.seankovacs.com/2013/06/gv-mobile-3/" target="_blank">Developer Sean Kovacs announced</a> the release of <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/gv-mobile-+-3-for-google-voice/id586624432?mt=8" target="_blank">GV Mobile + 3</a>, the latest version of his veteran Google Voice app for the iPhone. With a fresh new user interface, the third time appears to be the charm, as Kovacs has added gestures, easier notifications and most impressively, VoIP calling using an existing Google Voice number, which can be done over both Wi-Fi as well as data connections for free calls to just about anywhere. GV Mobile + 3 is now available from the App Store for $2.99, a limited time price to help ease longtime users onto the latest and greatest version.</p><h3>Apple's Latest TV Ads Not a Hit with Viewers</h3><p><a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-06-27/apple-s-tv-ads-touting-company-values-flop-with-viewers.html" target="_blank">Bloomberg reported Thursday</a> that Apple's latest ad campaign appears to be a bust with viewers. According to consulting firm Ace Metrix Inc., Cupertino's latest 60-second company values advertisements scored a mere 489 in a survey of TV viewers -- well below the industry average of 542, a big dip for a company whose campaigns generally rank above 700. So what's the problem? According to one professor of advertising at Boston University, the new spot is just too "self indulgent," going so far as to describe it as lacking any joy. May be time to go back to the drawing board, folks...</p><h3>AOL Delivers Remaining Services to Free iPad App</h3><p>Say what you want about AOL, but they don't give up. On Thursday, the service formerly known as America Online <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/aol-mail-news-weather-video/id646100661?mt=8" target="_blank">unveiled a new AOL app for iPad</a>, which brings all of the company's internet services into a fresh new tablet interface, including up-to-the-minute news, videos and yes, AOL Mail. We still see quite a few aol.com email addresses kicking around in our online travels, so there should be some folks out there ready to take the plunge with this free app, now available from the App Store.</p><h3>LightScribe Software Finally Updated for OS X Mountain Lion</h3><p>Sure, optical discs may be yesterday's news, but there are plenty of folks who still rely on them. For those with LightScribe-enabled burners, you'll be happy to know that the disc etching technology has finally been updated to work with OS X Mountain Lion after all these years. <a href="http://www.tuaw.com/2013/06/24/lightscribe-software-for-optical-disc-labels-finally-updated/" target="_blank">According to TUAW</a>, the free LightScribe software is <a href="http://www.lightscribe.com/downloadsection/mac/index.aspx?id=852" target="_blank">now available from HP</a>, so grab it quick before OS X Mavericks comes along and possibly breaks it all over again.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/overnight_recap_verizon_lte_hits_500_gv_mobile_3_latest_apple_tv_spots_flop#commentsNews4G LTEAdvertisingAOLApp StoreApple Inc.GV MobileiPad AppsLightScribeovernight recapVerizon WirelessiPadiPhoneMacFri, 28 Jun 2013 11:00:00 +0000J.R. Bookwalter17390 at http://www.maclife.comTwitter Analytics Now Free to All Users, TweetDeck for Mac 3.0 Now Availablehttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/twitter_analytics_now_free_all_users_tweetdeck_mac_30_now_available
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/twiitter_analytics_620px.png" alt="Twitter Analytics timeline" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>Twitter is keeping busy this week, quietly opening up its analytics feature to anyone curious how their tweets are performing even while bringing the recent TweetDeck for web experience to the Mac client.<br /><br /><a href="http://thenextweb.com/twitter/2013/06/13/twitter-opens-up-its-analytics-platform-lets-everyone-review-the-performance-of-their-tweets-for-free/" target="_blank">The Next Web is reporting</a> that anyone curious about finding out more about who's following them on Twitter and how their most recent tweets are performing can now see it all laid out as a visual graph -- without paying a dime.<br /><br />Previously only available to advertisers on the microblogging platform, Twitter's analytics display a Timeline graph showing mentions, follows and unfollows, with a grid of recent tweets complete with how many users have clicked on any links you've shared.<br /><br />To access the feature, <a href="https://ads.twitter.com/accounts/dfviv/smb" target="_blank">simply head to the Twitter Ads dashboard</a>, give it permission for your account (if you haven't already) and then click the Analytics tab at the top. Don't worry, you won't have to sign up for any advertising, and it's entirely free.<br /><br />On another front, Twitter is making fans of TweetDeck a happy group on Friday with the debut of version 3.0 (actually 3.0.2) of the Mac client. <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/tweetdeck/id485812721?mt=12" target="_blank">Available free from the Mac App Store</a>, the revamped client now features the same left-hand sidebar the company unveiled only days ago on the web-based client, with easier navigation across the various columns.<br /><br />TweetDeck for Mac also now allows users to drag and drop columns to rearrange them, and includes translation of any foreign-language tweets, filter interactions for mentions, retweets, favorites, followers or lists as well as the ability to search columns by the same types of engagement.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/twitter_analytics_now_free_all_users_tweetdeck_mac_30_now_available#commentsNewsAdvertisinganalyticsfree servicesmac app storenew featuresTimelineTweetdeckTwitterTwitter AdsWeb AppsMacFri, 14 Jun 2013 11:53:24 +0000J.R. Bookwalter17262 at http://www.maclife.comU.S. Carriers Rally Around "It Can Wait" Anti-Texting Campaignhttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/us_carriers_rally_around_it_can_wait_antitexting_campaign
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/it_can_wait_logo_200px.png" alt="Texting &amp; driving, it can wait" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />Texting while driving has become such a big problem that all four major U.S. cell phone carriers have chosen to come together to educate consumers on the dangers, with an extension of AT&amp;T's "It Can Wait" campaign.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.engadget.com/2013/05/14/carriers-att-it-can-wait-anti-texting-while-driving/" target="_blank">As reported last week by Engadget</a>, AT&amp;T's "It Can Wait" campaign is <a href="http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=24205&amp;cdvn=news&amp;newsarticleid=36440&amp;mapcode=txting_can_wait" target="_blank">getting a big boost on Monday</a> as Verizon Wireless, Sprint and T-Mobile US have joined more than 200 other companies as part of a national advertising campaign to keep eyes off smartphone screens and on the road ahead while driving.<br /><br />Beginning today and stretching across the "100 Deadliest Days" for teen drivers (between Memorial Day and Labor Day), the 2013 "It Can Wait" campaign will wind down on September 19 as its backers encourage communities to get behind the movement.<br /><br />"Texting while driving is a deadly habit that makes you 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash," said AT&amp;T Chairman &amp; CEO Randall Stephenson. "Awareness of the dangers of texting and driving has increased, but people are still doing it. With this expanded effort, we hope to change behavior. Together, we can help save lives."<br /><br />"It Can Wait" is a rare unity for the nation's largest cell phone providers, with a multi-million dollar advertising campaign which encourages users to take a pledge. AT&amp;T and USAA will also take the message on the road with more than 400 texting-while-driving simulator tours across the country.<br /><br />In addition to AT&amp;T, Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile retail stores, "It Can Wait" will get big exposure this summer from Best Buy, Walmart and RadioShack, and even the Goodyear blimp will get into the action with its own message broadcast to audiences everywhere.<br /><br />To show your own support for "It Can Wait," <a href="http://itcanwait.com" target="_blank">head to the website</a> and take the pledge at www.itcanwait.com, where you can also see a complete list of companies supporting the cause.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/us_carriers_rally_around_it_can_wait_antitexting_campaign#commentsNewsad campaignAdvertisingAT&TdrivingIt Can WaitLabor Daymemorial daySprintT-MobileTextingVerizon WirelessiPhoneMon, 20 May 2013 13:24:15 +0000J.R. Bookwalter17036 at http://www.maclife.comApple Product Photographer Dishes on Creative Processhttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/apple_product_photographer_dishes_creative_process
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/photographer_peter_belanger_200px.png" alt="Peter Belanger" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />Ever wonder what it takes to photograph Apple's iconic products? Peter Belanger knows, because he's been doing it for years -- and he's finally going on the record to talk about it.<br /><a href="http://www.theverge.com/2013/5/8/4311868/the-illusion-of-simplicity-photographer-peter-belanger-on-shooting" target="_blank"><br />The Verge published an interview</a> with San Francisco photographer Peter Belanger this week, which puts a probing eye on his work with Apple -- despite a client base that also includes Pixar, Nike, eBay and Square.<br /><br />So how does one score a plum gig like Apple? In Belanger's case, it came from being a freelancer with the right advertising agency.<br /><br />"When I was starting out I freelanced for agencies that had Apple accounts," Belanger explains. "Over the years the agencies evolved and many of the designers and producers moved internally at Apple. Because I had a working relationship with lots of them, they kept using me. I feel very lucky that this relationship continued."<br /><br />Most of Belanger's work is photographed using a Canon 5D Mark III, which the photographer calls his "go-to" camera, equipped with a base 24-70mm lens which "works in almost all situations."<br /><br />Not surprisingly, Apple dictates most of what Belanger winds up capturing.<br /><br />"The team at Apple always has a really well developed shot list and sketches of what they need," the photographer said. "I work with their talented art directors to translate those sketches into photos. We start by getting the position of the product and then move forward on lighting.<br /><br />"Because Apple products have such carefully selected materials it is incredibly important to light the product in a way that will showcase the various materials accurately," Belanger continues. "I need to have control over each and every surface so when the client asks for a highlight to be elongated, I can do that. It’s similar to working on a file in Photoshop: you don’t do all your work on one layer. I think of my lights as layers that I can adjust individually to get the desired results."<br /><br />For more on Belanger's process and some behind-the-scenes photos and videos of the photographer at work, be sure to hit the link back to The Verge!<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a><br /><br />(Image courtesy of The Verge)</em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/apple_product_photographer_dishes_creative_process#commentsNewsad agencyAdvertisingApple Inc.Apple ProductslayerslightingPeter BelangerPhotographyPhotoshopThe VergeiPadiPhoneiPodMacFri, 10 May 2013 12:24:59 +0000J.R. Bookwalter16971 at http://www.maclife.com